Hoyeon's Sci-Fi Debut: Inspired by Legends

Following her breakout success in 'Squid Game' in 2021, South Korean actress Hoyeon has now made her feature film debut. Her new project, the science-fiction thriller 'Hope,' sees her defending a village from a mysterious creature. Hoyeon expressed her excitement about working alongside industry legends such as director Na Hong-jin, Hwang Jung-min, and Zo In-sung, viewing it as an extension of her valuable experience on 'Disclaimer' with director Alfonso Cuarón and Cate Blanchett.

The actress found that her experience on 'Squid Game,' directed with a filmmaking approach, prepared her well for 'Hope.' While the overall process was similar, the primary difference was the extended shooting schedule compared to television. For her role as a police officer, Hoyeon revisited iconic science-fiction films like 'Alien' and 'Arrival' to capture authentic reactions to unknown creatures, though her character was also influenced by director Shōhei Imamura's 'Dr. Akagi.'

The premiere of 'Hope' in Korea was a special occasion for Hoyeon, as she invited family and friends for the first time. Her grandmother attended and thoroughly enjoyed the film, even managing to stay awake throughout, a rarity for her. The positive reception from her loved ones was a significant moment for the actress, who admitted to feeling nervous about their reactions.